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Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced $2,284,367 to improve water quality by enhancing wastewater treatment services and protecting the watershed near Herrington Lake.

“Gov. Beshear has made it his priority to ensure every Kentucky citizen is provided with the fundamental resources needed to thrive,” Coleman said. “At the same time, Team Kentucky is focused on preserving our remarkable natural resources and tourism economy. This project does both.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant (OSG) program is providing the funds to the Mercer County Sanitation District. The project will eliminate 129 residential septic systems, six holding tanks and create two new pump stations on Herrington Lake. 

The project will include the construction of a low-pressure collection system along with the installation of 79 pump stations to serve residents along Gwinn Island Road in northeastern Boyle County. The area is within the Mocks Creek watershed, along the Herrington Lake shoreline. Improvements will also be provided to the Gwinn Island Marina and Resort, which houses approximately 50 boat slips, 30 rental cabins and an RV Park.

“This project will eliminate aged and inadequate onsite septic systems, reducing the infiltration of sewage to the watershed,” said Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “It will improve the lake’s water quality and protect the health of residents who rely on the lake for drinking water.” 

Herrington Lake serves as the drinking water source for communities in Boyle, Mercer, Garrard and Lincoln counties. The project also will include the installation of a force main and 13 pump stations near Pandora Marina along Kennedy Bridge Road, an area which is currently served by septic tanks and holding tanks.

An extension of the existing collection system along Cold Springs Drive in Southern Mercer County will serve 14 properties currently utilizing septic tanks, and nine properties located along Beaumont Avenue and South College Street in Harrodsburg. The project also will include the construction of a force main along Blankenship Drive and Adams Lane near the Bright Leaf Estates subdivision, as well as 12 residential pump stations.

Applications for funding are being accepted through June 30, 2024. Letters of intent to apply are optional but highly recommended and are due May 1.

To determine if a project is eligible and to obtain the letter of intent form and other supporting documents, please visit The Kentucky Division of Water’s Green Infrastructure Assistance Program site. For more information, contact Dale Booth at 502-782-6895 or dale.booth@ky.gov.